Bach chamber music

Abstract

This review takes stock of recent releases of Johann Sebastian Bach’s chamber music. The seven recordings surveyed include multiple interpretations of Bach’s flute sonatas, as well as discs of trio sonatas, The Musical Offering and The Art of Fugue. J. S. Bach’s compositions for flute consist of sonatas with basso continuo, sonatas for obbligato harpsichord and flute, and a solo for unaccompanied flute. The genesis and context of these works are uncertain, although they are usually posited to range in date from Bach’s years in Köthen until probably 1741 in the case of bwv1035. Bach’s writing for the instrument is virtuosic and wide ranging in emotional effect—attributes ably demonstrated in the performances under review. Flautist Rachel Brown and harpsichordist Laurence Cummings offer renditions of Bach’s flute works in Johann Sebastian Bach: A tribute to Bach: Bach flute sonatas & arias (Uppernote upcd003, rec 2013, 128′). Brown is known both for her performances with leading European ensembles as well as her writing on historical performing practices, most notably The early flute: a practical guide (Cambridge, 2002). Released on Brown’s own record label, this two-disc set contains the E minor and E major sonatas for flute and continuo (bwv1034 and bwv1035), the B minor and A major sonatas for obbligato harpsichord and flute (bwv1030 and bwv1032) and the Solo (Partita) in A minor (bwv1013). Also included is an arrangement by Brown of the F minor harpsichord concerto bwv1056 (transposed to A minor) and one-movement selections from other works, mostly cantatas.